Zululand’s best kept secret
This year marks the 10th year that Roy’s Mica has been operating from its current premises at the
Home Centre at Biyela Street, Empangeni. However, the story of Roy’s Mica stretches back much further.
One of the first hardware stores in town, the original company was founded in 1946 by the late Mr EG Nielsen. Nielsen’s Hardware started out as a small corrugated iron building in Smith Street. In later years, it was one of the founder members of the Mica franchise. Today, Mica is the leading brand in the South African DIY and hardware market.
‘Roy’s Mica is proud to be a member of such an esteemed organisation with values and beliefs assigned to our own,’ says owner Roy Rheeder.
Roy started working for Mr Nielsen as manager in 1983, and eventually bought over the business in the early 1990s.
The newly acquired Roy’s Mica relocated to the Sanlam Centre, from where it operated for 11 years before moving to its current home in 2008. One of the longest standing staff members is Margaret Khoza, who joined the company on 1 June 1993.
Today, Roy is very proud to look back at what the company has achieved over the years.
A firm favourite among locals, Roy’s Mica has won the category Best Hardware/ DIY Store in the Best of Zululand Readers’ Choice Awards for eight out of the nine years that the competition has been running.
‘This is why we like to refer to the store as ‘Zululand’s Best Kept Secret’. Over the years Roy’s Mica has become – and still remains - the local community’s store of choice.
‘Zululanders love to do their shopping here – not just for hardware, but also for any aspect of DIY and home improvement,’ Roy says.
A visit to Roy’s Mica is well worth your while, as they stock so much more than just hardware.
The store carries more than 25 000 line items. At Roy’s Mica you will find anything from camping and braai equipment, to arts and crafts supplies, and even a garden nursery – in addition to a huge variety of building, plumbing and electrical supplies, paint, water tanks and pumps and swimming pool supplies.
‘We are proud of our product offering and attention to customer service, which we strive to maintain and improve upon despite difficult trading and staffing conditions,’ says Peter Cuff, who manages the store.
And to what do they ascribe the company’s longevity?
‘Customer satisfaction is our main ingredient,’ says Roy.
‘Our ‘family atmosphere’ makes customers feel at home. Roy’s Mica has a warm, welcoming ambiance that makes it more of a meeting place than an ordinary shop.
‘Without the loyalty of our customers and staff, we couldn’t do it,’ he adds.
‘Above all, we are a Christian organisation. We have committed this business to the Lord and we give Him praise and glory for the successes we’ve had over the years. It was Him who pulled us through the difficult times,’ Roy concludes.